What is the function of ferrous sulfate?
A brief knowledge sharing article, introducing the uses of ferrous sulfate and providing an introduction to the effects and situations where it should not be used in green plants and flowers, which is sure to help you. Let's learn about it together!
For gardeners who grow southern flowers like gardenias and camellias at home, the use of ferrous sulfate as a flower medicine is certainly not unfamiliar. As one of the most common flower medicines, ferrous sulfate can not only adjust the soil to prevent alkalization but also supplement iron for the plants, making the leaves dark green and glossy. However, special attention must be paid to the method of use when using this medicine, as incorrect use can lead to adverse effects and even cause the death of the plants! In the daily use of ferrous sulfate, the following three common usage mistakes are often encountered, and gardeners must be cautious.
The function of ferrous sulfate
Ferrous sulfate is an inorganic compound synthesized artificially. The packaged ferrous sulfate flower medicine on the market is usually a light green powder or granular crystals. Ferrous sulfate is acidic and can neutralize the pH of compacted soil, preventing it from hardening and improving the soil structure. Moreover, it is rich in iron elements, which can be used to supplement iron for flowers, preventing leaf yellowing and falling due to iron deficiency, and enhancing the plant's disease resistance.
The following three common mistakes in using ferrous sulfate are often seen in daily use:
1. Do not directly bury in the soil
Some gardeners, when using ferrous sulfate, sprinkle the powder on the surface of the potting soil or directly bury it in the soil, which are serious mistakes. Ferrous sulfate is a crystalline substance, and the form we receive is usually powder or granules. If directly buried in the soil, the moisture around the soil will quickly dissolve it, making the soil too acidic and stimulating the plant roots. For sensitive-rooted species like kaffir lilies, dendrobiums, and orchids, it can even cause extensive root necrosis.
Ferrous sulfate must be diluted with water to form a solution before using it on plants. According to the instructions, add the ferrous sulfate powder to an appropriate amount of water, mix well to form a solution, and then water the soil. Never directly bury it in the ground.
2. Do not store for a long time
Since ferrous sulfate needs to be diluted with water to form a solution for use, some gardeners prepare a large amount of solution at once and store the excess for future use, which can cause the ferrous sulfate solution to become ineffective.
Ferrous sulfate has the effect of
The iron element in ferrous sulfate is divalent iron, which is also what plant roots can absorb. The freshly prepared solution is rich in divalent iron, which can quickly supplement iron for plant roots after watering the soil. However, divalent iron is easily oxidized. After the solution is left for a while, divalent iron will be oxidized to trivalent iron by the oxygen in the air, and the solution will change from light green to dark brown. Trivalent iron cannot be absorbed by plant roots, so the ferrous sulfate solution must be used immediately after preparation and should not be stored for long periods.
3. The concentration should not be too high
Ferrous sulfate is a weakly acidic crystal. When properly dissolved in water, the resulting solution is weakly acidic. However, if excessive amounts are used, a large amount of ferrous sulfate dissolved in water will make the solution too acidic. Pouring a highly acidic ferrous sulfate solution on flowers can cause root burns, extensive root necrosis, leaf wilting, and rapid flower凋谢.
When using ferrous sulfate to prepare a solution, the concentration must be strictly controlled. Usually, the concentration ratio for watering the roots is 1:1000, which means 1 gram of ferrous sulfate powder is mixed with 1 kilogram of water. (The ratio may vary depending on the manufacturer, and specific operations should follow the instructions on the label) Moreover, the use of ferrous sulfate should not be too frequent, usually once a month is sufficient.
This article shares the functions of ferrous sulfate and all the content about understanding its uses and situations where it should not be used. Green plant enthusiasts can refer to this aspect for reference.